Whether traveling locally or visiting from out of state, the scenic beauty of a place or historical importance is not enough to make a memorable resort stay. While it is true that “location, location, location” remains a significant drawing point for tourists, a new attraction is beginning to emerge. Desiring more than just a little rest and relaxation, today’s resort guests also want to be wined and dined with unique fare and an unforgettable experience.
Not wanting to settle for typical hotel food, resort guests are enthusiastic about tasting and trying new or foreign delicacies. Resorts across the globe have caught on to the rapidly growing trend, transforming their menus to offer new and innovative food and beverage options. At Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort in Maricopa, the resort food choices are endless as guests can choose from four on-site restaurants — ranging from traditional to modern — to please their palates.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a taste of something new or to satisfy a craving, following are a few resort food trends to be expected in resort restaurants this year:
Comfort food comeback
Guests are getting a little taste of home during their stay as comfort food takes over resort menus everywhere. No more traditional flavorless sides. Instead, chefs are providing new taste thrills by re-inventing the classics. Love mac and cheese? Chefs are getting creative by offering this all-American favorite fried, baked and even on top of burgers. It’s all about taking old favorites and reworking them into new culinary inventions.
All around the world
Looking for a little taste of everything? The recently renovated Buffet at Harrah’s Ak-Chin lets guests travel the world without leaving the resort by offering traditional American favorites along with Italian, Asian and Mexican specialties. As people travel more and taste buds change and evolve, so does the palate of today’s guests. From hand-carved meats to a selection of seafood favorites, buffets offer something different to please the palates of every guest.
La vida locavore
The concept of farm-to-table dining has truly gone mainstream. In the quest for providing healthier eating options, resorts are finding ways in which they can incorporate locally produced items into their menus to get guests to dine locally. Expect preservative-free options with smoothie shots, healthy granola bars, juice blends and trail mix. From the mini-bar to the resort restaurants, offering menu items featuring locally grown produce and organic fare will have guests eating a whole lot healthier this year.
In-house to in-room dining
For many resort guests, being on vacation means being lazy. After all the tours and sightseeing, guests want to unwind without having to get dressed and head out for dinner. The new and improved in-room dining experience allows guests to have restaurant quality food in the comfort of their room. The menus now offer a gourmet twist on traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner items as well as dishes from the on-site restaurant.
To-die-for desserts
Does that sweet tooth have you browsing the candy bar section of your resort gift shop? Skip the gift shop and indulge in a decadent dessert from the resort restaurant. Today’s resorts are making desserts a little sweeter by super-sizing treats and adding twists on throwback childhood favorites like cookies and milk. The Range Steakhouse at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, offers more than your typical hot fudge sundae. The famous oversized desserts leave diners speechless and their sweet tooth satisfied.
As we watch the restaurant industry grow and diversify, we can’t help but wonder what’s next. With authentic options and unique takes on old favorites capturing the empty stomachs of resort guests today, Harrah’s Ak-Chin and resorts across the nation will surely be setting the trend when it comes to innovative creations to please the palate.
